Amaranth Macaroons

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 200F.
2. 2
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. 3
   Combine the ground almonds and powdered sugar in a food processor, and process until the mixture is very fine.
4. 4
   Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites in a large bowl until foamy.
5. 5
   With the machine running, gradually beat in the granulated sugar.
6. 6
   Add the cream of tartar and whip to form stiff peaks.
7. 7
   Sift the ground almond mixture over the beaten egg whites, and use a rubber spatula to carefully fold it in.
8. 8
   Using a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch-diameter tip, pipe 1-inch rounds (they will expand slightly) 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
9. 9
   Sprinkle the tops of the macaroons with the amaranth seeds.
10. 10
    Let the uncooked macaroons stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
11. 11
    Bake the macaroons for 10 minutes.
12. 12
    Then rotate the baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes longer, or until the macaroons are puffed and the tops appear dry (macaroons should be crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside).
13. 13
    Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before removing them from the parchment.
14. 14
    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.